Abnormal Placental Findings Associated with Non-Reassuring Fetal Monitoring and Excellent Neonatal Outcomes

Objective: Obstetricians, Neonatologists, and Pathologists have studied gross histological analysis of human placentas in search of specific alterations in placental functions that can be correlated with neonatal outcomes. Our study assessed the prevalence of abnormal placental findings associated with non-reassuring fetal monitoring in labor requiring emergent instrumental or cesarean delivery, followed by an excellent neonatal outcome. Study Design: One hundred consecutive emergency deliveries, instrumental or cesarean, performed due to non-reassuring fetal monitoring while in labor were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were low-risk for obstetric complications, and had a singleton, term pregnancy. They had a normal antenatal routine testing and a normal anatomy ultrasound scan at 20 to 22 weeks gestation. Results: There were 35 placentas (35%) with gross placental anomalies at the delivery triage. Additionally 7 placentas (7%) were reported to be abnormal at the pathology examination. Conclusions: The prevalence of abnormal placental findings in our studied population was 42%.